Save A rustic, comforting pasta bake featuring tender ziti, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and briny olives, all enveloped in a savory tomato sauce and finished with melted cheese.
This cozy chicken stew has become a family favorite for its hearty flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
- Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 6 ounces (170 g) fresh baby spinach
- Cheese & Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (375 g) ricotta cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg
- Sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces/680 g) marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olives: 1/2 cup (80 g) Kalamata or black olives, pitted and sliced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 4:
- Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in cooked spinach mixture and sliced olives.
- Step 6:
- Add marinara sauce and cooked ziti to the bowl. Gently fold until evenly combined.
- Step 7:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Step 8:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 9:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save Gathering my family around this warm dish always feels like a cozy celebration of home and comfort.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Mixing bowl, 9x13-inch baking dish, Foil
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg. Double-check cheese and pasta labels for allergen information if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories 420, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 18 g (per serving)
Save 
This baked ziti recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to every meal, perfect for weekday dinners or gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives, adding a slightly different texture and flavor while maintaining the dish's freshness.
- → How do olives affect the overall taste?
Olives introduce a briny, savory note that balances the creaminess of the cheeses and the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- → Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs?
Fresh herbs provide vibrant flavors, but dried oregano and basil are perfectly suitable and more concentrated, so use them sparingly.
- → What pasta is ideal for this dish?
Ziti or penne are best because their tubular shape holds sauce well, creating a cohesive and flavorful bake.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the layers ahead and store covered in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.